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Council approves $150,000 from cable fund to begin demolition at 1149 West James Street after TIF motion fails
Summary
After the CDA recommended demolishing and redeveloping 1149 West James Street as a one-story commercial site, the council debated funding options. A motion to use TIF funds failed; council then approved a $150,000 allocation from the cable commission fund for demolition by a 3–2 roll call.
The Community Development Authority recommended demolition and redevelopment of 1149 West James Street; Mike (joining on Zoom) said CDA’s preferred path was a green, one-story multi-tenant commercial building and that demolition would make the site more attractive to developers.
CDA noted the building’s roof problems and aging condition and suggested funding demolition through TIF or the city’s cable fund balance. Mike told the council demolition could take place this fall if paid from the cable fund or next year if paid with TIF borrowing timing.
Council debated costs (estimates cited at $125,000–$150,000), whether asbestos abatement is included (CDA said yes), and the tradeoffs of using cable fund balance versus TIF borrowing. A motion to use TIF funds for demolition failed on roll call (two ayes, three nays). A follow-up motion to use $150,000 from the cable commission fund passed on roll call, 3–2. Council directed staff to proceed with demolition planning and RFP timing consistent with the chosen funding approach.
Votes: On the failed motion to use TIF, roll call recorded aye votes from Rostad and Reid and nay votes from Finkler, Roehlke and Fuller (motion failed). On the approved cable fund motion, roll call recorded ayes from Finkler, Rolke and Fuller and nays from Rostad and Reid (motion passed).
